Challenges and hardships are an unavoidable part of life. Illness, financial setbacks, failures, betrayal, and natural disasters are woven into our existence. While we may wish to avoid them, difficult situations have a purpose. It is up to us to find meaning in adversity and cultivate happiness despite it. Those who can achieve this, embody the ‘winning’ personality.

Adversity: An Opportunity for Growth & Self-Improvement

We all admire and celebrate success, while we often fear its counterpart, failure. However, adversities and setbacks are not inherently negative. If we view them differently, they can reveal hidden opportunities for self-improvement. Thus, adversity can propel us toward greater heights and serve as a crucial stepping stone to success.

Researchers at the Kellogg School of Management conducted an in-depth study using advanced analytics to explore the connection between early professional failures and long-term achievements. Contrary to common belief, they discovered that individuals who faced setbacks early in their careers, maintaining a positive outlook and persisting in their efforts, were more likely to achieve greater success over time.

Conversely, a life devoid of challenges could hinder personal growth. A smooth journey is not only unrealistic but may also limit resilience and adaptability. The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche aptly puts it:

“What does not kill me makes me stronger.”

Failure: A Temporary Stop in Life’s Journey

More than success, failure is a common experience for all of us. However, failure is merely one of countless experiences that shape our personality. In the grand scheme,  our identity is determined by the collective sum of these experiences, not by a single event. Understanding that failure is a natural part of life allows us to embrace it, and with acceptance, the negative emotions tied to it gradually diminish.

The lives of saints and great leaders are strewn with many failures. Despite immense pressure, they did not falter, for they had mastered the art of overcoming obstacles. They found many ways to transform weakness into strength and utilized what should have pulled them back, to propel them forward.

Swami Mukundananda touches upon the hidden potential of failures and illustrates this in his book, The Art and Science of Happiness:

“When you hit upon what may seem like a failure, realize that it is not the end of life. In fact, with deeper insight, it can be the raw material for a successful journey ahead.”

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: The Story of Soichiro Honda

No venture is free from challenges. Yet, when one sincerely braves obstacles with enthusiasm and keeps going, even the toughest challenge seems puny.  Let us consider the life of Soichiro Honda, founder of the Honda automotive empire.

Soichiro Honda was not born into wealth; instead, he came from a modest background. His father, a blacksmith, ran a small bicycle repair shop where young Soichiro often helped out. Fascinated by automobiles, he left school at the age of fifteen to work as an apprentice at a well-known auto repair garage in Tokyo. For six years, he dedicated himself to learning and honing his skills before returning home to start his own auto repair business, which quickly flourished.

However, Honda’s passion for innovation drove him further. He designed a new type of piston ring and presented it to Toyota Corporation. Unfortunately, his design was rejected, as only three out of fifty rings met the required standards. Undeterred, he embarked on a research journey, visiting manufacturers and enrolling in an engineering institute. His friends mocked his ambitions, questioning his dream of selling piston rings to Toyota.

Yet, Honda refused to be discouraged. With newfound knowledge, he refined his design, and after several attempts, it was finally accepted. Toyota placed a large order and provided capital for him to build a factory. Alongside a team of friends, he established his manufacturing units, which thrived and employed around two thousand people at their peak.

However, adversity struck. During World War II, Honda’s factory was destroyed in a bombing raid. With cement supplies redirected to the war effort, rebuilding the factory seemed impossible. Yet, his determination remained unshaken. He developed an innovative method to manufacture cement and rebuilt the factory using discarded gasoline containers from American warplanes. Tragically, an earthquake soon leveled the factory again, forcing him out of business.

After the war, Japan faced a severe fuel shortage, making cars nearly useless. Honda, too, had no fuel for his car. In response, he attached a small motor to his bicycle, inadvertently creating the first motorcycle. His neighbors were intrigued and requested similar modifications. Recognizing its potential, he saw a market opportunity.

With unwavering enthusiasm, he gathered the necessary capital from 5000 bicycle dealers to establish his factory. The first factory-produced motorcycle was too large and received a lukewarm response. Instead of giving up, Honda redesigned a smaller version, which became an instant success. From that point on, there was no turning back.

Soichiro Honda built a global empire that employed 100,000 people worldwide during his lifetime. Today, his legacy continues to grow. His story exemplifies how an unwavering spirit and relentless enthusiasm can turn setbacks into stepping stones, cutting through obstacles as effortlessly as a knife through butter.

Post Adversity Growth and Adversity Quotient(AQ)

Adversity shapes us into stronger and wiser individuals. While we often face challenges with fear and uncertainty, we emerge from them with renewed confidence and deeper insight. This equips us for the journey ahead. Psychologists refer to this phenomenon as post-traumatic growth—a positive transformation in behavior that arises from overcoming adversity.

History has shown that after experiencing hardships, individuals often develop a deeper appreciation for life, strengthen their spiritual beliefs, acquire new skills, and uncover fresh opportunities. While adversity is temporary, the lessons it impart can last a lifetime.

A powerful example of post-traumatic growth is King Ashoka. As the third ruler of the Mauryan Empire, he continued to expand his empire through military conquests. His most significant campaign was the brutal invasion of Kalinga (present-day Bhubaneswar), where his forces massacred millions of lives.

Despite his victory, he was overpowered by remorse and horrified at what he had done. The immense bloodshed and devastation of war deeply traumatized King Ashoka, leading to a dramatic shift from cruelty to compassion. He abandoned violence and embraced Buddhism, dedicating his reign to governing with non-violence and dharma. To promote his vision of a just society, he inscribed principles of virtuous living on rock edicts across his empire.

However, not everyone experiences growth after adversity. Each person has a different level of resilience and tolerance for challenges. To quantify this, psychologists have introduced the concept of Adversity Quotient (AQ), which measures an individual’s ability to handle adversity. The higher one’s AQ, the greater their capacity to endure and flourish. With that in mind, let us explore strategies to enhance our adversity quotient and unlock the potential for growth beyond hardship.

Steps to Enhance Adversity Quotient(AQ):

1. Realize Adversity is a Part of Life

The one thing constant in this world is ‘change.’ This world is in constant flux. Winter eventually gives way to summer, just as day is inevitably followed by night. Similarly, happiness and sorrow are inherently woven into our lives. The ups and downs come and go. Hence, we shall encounter both favorable and unfavorable situations in the world. We must learn to tolerate them with wisdom.

There was a king who requested his ministers for a timeless piece of advice that would stand him good in all circumstances. They came up with a message on a piece of paper, placed it in a casket, and offered it to him. It read: “This too shall pass.”

Living at the height of his glory and favorable circumstances, the king read the message with raised eyebrows.

A month later, a neighboring kingdom launched an unexpected attack. His army was scattered, and he fled for his life with the enemy close behind. Cornered at the edge of a cliff, he believed his end had come. Then, he remembered the casket. Opening it, he read the words again: "Even this shall pass away."

The message renewed his hope. He hid by the cliffside, allowing the enemy to pass. Later, he regrouped, gathered his forces, and successfully reclaimed his kingdom. Once back on his throne, he never forgot the lesson—the highs and lows of life are both inevitable and temporary.

Accepting hardships as well as joy as a part of our life’s experience and realizing their fleeting nature, empowers us to remain equanimous in all situations.

2. Learn to Be Optimistic

Some people panic at the slightest cause of concern and always expect the worst to happen. They say, “Now, I am done for, and nothing can save me.”  Such people have a pessimistic attitude. On the other hand, others are calm and solution-oriented when faced with adversity. They say, “I accept the problem I have, but with sincere effort and God’s grace, it can be solved.”

When you embrace an optimistic attitude, you remain happy despite the most adverse circumstances.

3. Decouple Your Mind From External Circumstances

A compelling example of this philosophy is the story of Viktor Frankl, a Jewish psychologist in Austria during World War II. When Hitler persecuted Jews, Frankl was sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp, where he was separated from his wife and daughters, who were later killed. The conditions were horrifying, as he recounts:

“We used to walk through the night, naked, not knowing where we were going, and uncertain whether we would be alive the next day.”

Despite these extreme circumstances, Viktor Frankl made a profound discovery. He had one freedom no one could take away from him: his ability to choose his emotions. He decided that regardless of his suffering, he would remain cheerful. He would often smile and laugh, perplexing his fellow inmates. When asked how he managed to stay positive, he simply replied, “It’s my choice.”

Frankl showcased that there is always a gap between circumstances and emotions. No matter the external situation, we are free to choose our emotional response to it. This is a freedom that all of us possess.  By exercising our free will, we consciously choose our emotions, thoughts, and reactions to externals. This holds the potential to free the mind from the shackles of the environment. If you wish to insulate yourself from adversity and increase your AQ, understand this gap and practice choosing your thoughts repeatedly.

History is replete with many such examples of individuals who overcame tremendous challenges without allowing their circumstances to define them. For example, the blind poet Soordas, the deaf composer Beethoven, and the paralyzed physicist Stephen Hawking all demonstrated extraordinary resilience. These individuals used their abilities to contribute to society in profound ways despite their hardships. They were full of optimism, enthusiasm, and positivity.

These stories remind us that adversity does not need to limit our potential. The key is in how we respond to these challenges. Like them, we can cultivate a mindset that embraces growth and opportunity, regardless of our difficulties.

Conclusion

In an ever-changing world, the ability to navigate adversity with peace and resilience is a vital skill. We can lead more fulfilling lives by increasing our AQ through optimism, emotional discipline, and a deeper understanding of life's transient nature. Ultimately, it is not the circumstances that define us, but how we respond to them shapes our life experience. When we choose the best thoughts, we are filled with gratitude and positivity. We can then manifest a winning personality instead of a whining personality.

Call To Action

1.   Order your copy of The Art and Science of Happiness to learn about AQ at https://a.co/d/5RGERmB

2.   Subscribe to the Swami Mukundananda YouTube channel to find more on Mind Management:Seeing the Opportunity in Every Challenge of Life | Happiness Challenge Day 20 | Swami Mukundananda

3.   Contemplate the Power of Inspiration and Enthusiasm: Meditation on Power of Inspiration & Enthusiasm - Day 15 Happiness Challenge by Swami Mukundananda

Resources

●      Mukundananda, S. (2023). The Art and Science of Happiness. Rupa Publications Pvt Ltd: New Delhi, India.

●      Mukundananda, S. (2023) Seven Divine Laws For Success, Happiness and Fulfilment. New Delhi, India

●      Mukundananda, S. (2024).Questions You Always Wanted To Ask. Rupa Publications Pvt Ltd: New Delhi, India.

●    Difficult Times Won't Last Long If You Understand This - Swami Mukundananda